Train Yard 317

By: Jeremy McGrew

Summary

We went to Train Yard 317 to see if we could take on a ninja warrior course. Here's how it went, and why you should try it....

"Pff...I could do that."

If you've ever watched American Ninja Warrior, you've probably said this to yourself when a contestant was unable to complete the course. I know I have.

If you didn't, then you at least thought to yourself, "Wow, that looks really fun!"

If something about unleashing your inner Tarzan appeals to you, then you need to visit local ninja gym Train Yard 317, and put yourself to the test.

When we came across Train Yard 317 on Instagram, we were all dying to try it, and we took a team field trip to see for ourselves. What we found was one of the most challenging, fun, and potentially addictive workouts around.

The Benefits

"I have never been this sore in my life," I told my wife the morning following my visit to Train Yard 317...and every morning for the entire week following. By Wednesday, I'm sure she started to tune me out.

Swinging around on a giant obstacle course may sound like child's play, but I learned very quickly it most certainly is not! Ninja training is a great way to build upper body strength as well as develop improved balance. Other benefits include shoulder mobility, core strength, and a surprisingly intense aerobic workout.

Whether you are someone who doesn't enjoy the gym, or someone who just wants to add a little variation to your workout programming, I HIGHLY suggest giving ninja training a shot. The courses can be scaled up or down according to your fitness level, making this form of exercise available to anyone with a sense of adventure.

I was surprised to see how many young kids were training here, running laps around us "grown men". This isn't by chance, but by design.

Manager George O'Dell shared with me why they want as many children as possible.

"It's great for kids. These obstacles are great at teaching about life; no matter how many times you fail an obstacle, you get back up and try again."

Speaking from experience, I can tell you that this is exactly the case. Staring down an intimidating obstacle that you've failed on, and then beating it, is a powerful feeling. One thing you'll notice immediately is the team atmosphere that exists here.

Sweet, Sweet, Victory.

The pressure was on.

If you've watched American Ninja Warrior, you've seen the final obstacle: the wall. In order to finish the obstacle course, ninjas have to run up a wall, climb over the top, and hit the buzzer to complete their time.

I knocked out the 12-foot wall pretty easily, but now I was moving up to the big leagues, and facing the 14 footer. Having already failed multiple times, I was relishing the challenge, and everyone was watching. That's when the magic happened.

All of a sudden, everyone there was invested in my success of climbing that wall.

Through a little bit of coaching from at least 5 different people (all strangers who wanted to see me succeed), I ran as hard as I could, jumped as high as I was able, and reached as far as I could. Holy shit, I got it!

Before I even realized it, my survival instinct took over, and I was over the edge hitting the buzzer. The crowd went wild - or at least that's what it felt like. I was a champion in that moment, and king of the world. I imagine winning the super-bowl feels a little something like this.

If ever there was an upper-body runner's high, this was it!

I was hooked. This small victory of mine made me crave more and more, and before I knew it, we had been there for almost 3 hours running, jumping, climbing, swinging, and failing.

It should be noted that I wasn't the most sore I've ever been in my life because this form of exercise was so brutal, but because I just couldn't stop.

I can't wait to go back...and I am...and you're invited.

Tour de IFM - Train Yard 317

If you've followed us for any length of time, you've learned that we are ALWAYS looking for ways to hook our readers up with awesome deals and opportunities to try new things.

On Saturday, February 10 from 4-7pm, Train Yard will be hosting IFM and up to 30 of our readers for a stop on our Tour de IFM, where we will have access to the entire gym, and all the obstacles in it.

The first 15 who sign up, will be granted free access, and the next 15 will have a chance to join for only $10 (half price !). If you want to monkey around with some of our team and your friends, all you have to do is fill out the form below to reserve your spot. These spots will go fast, and are offered on a first come, first serve basis!